How should unpublished U.S. patent applications be cited in an Information Disclosure Statement?
When citing unpublished U.S. patent applications in an Information Disclosure Statement (IDS), you must include: The U.S. patent application publication number The applicant The filing date If available, the U.S. patent application publication date The patent application number The MPEP 609.04(a) states: Each U.S. application listed in an information disclosure statement must be identified by…
Read MoreWhat happens to the prior application when a CPA is filed?
What happens to the prior application when a CPA is filed? When a Continued Prosecution Application (CPA) is filed, the prior application is automatically abandoned. According to MPEP 201.06(d): The filing of a CPA is not a filing of a new application. Rather, a CPA is a continuation of the prior application and maintains the…
Read MoreWhat should I do if I don’t have the application number when executing an assignment?
If you don’t have the application number when executing an assignment, you can use specific language to allow for its later insertion. MPEP 302.03 suggests the following approach: “It is suggested, however, that an assignment be written to allow entry of the identifying number after the execution of the assignment. An example of acceptable wording…
Read MoreWhat is a confirmation number and why is it important?
A confirmation number is a four-digit number assigned by the USPTO to each newly filed patent application. According to MPEP 503, the confirmation number serves several important purposes: It is used in combination with the application number to verify the accuracy of the application number on correspondence filed with the Office. It helps avoid misidentification…
Read MoreWhat is a filing receipt and what information does it contain?
A filing receipt is an official document issued by the USPTO that contains important information about a patent application. According to MPEP 503, the filing receipt includes: Application number Filing date Confirmation number Suggested U.S. Patent Classification class Art unit where the application is likely to be examined Continuing data (if applicable) National stage data…
Read MoreHow are application numbers assigned by the USPTO?
The USPTO assigns application numbers to patent applications immediately after mail has been opened. According to MPEP 503, application numbers consist of a series code and a serial number. The series codes are assigned based on the type of application and the time period in which it was filed. For example: 01/ – 16/ for…
Read MoreHow are application numbers assigned to patent applications?
Application numbers for patent applications are assigned by the Office of Patent Application Processing (OPAP) as follows: n n Nonprovisional applications are assigned numbers beginning with the series code ’15’ or ’16’. n Design applications are assigned numbers beginning with the series code ’29’. n Plant applications are assigned numbers beginning with the series code…
Read MoreWhat happens if there’s an error in my application number?
What happens if there’s an error in my application number? If you notice an error in your application number, it’s crucial to contact the USPTO immediately. The MPEP states, Any error in the identification of the application number will result in processing delays. (MPEP 503) To avoid such delays: Double-check the application number on your…
Read MoreWhat happens if an application number is not received within one month of filing?
If an applicant does not receive an application number within one month of filing, they should contact the Application Assistance Unit. The MPEP states: ‘If an application number is not received within one month of the filing date, applicant should contact the Application Assistance Unit at (571) 272-4000 or (888) 786-0101.’ This contact information is…
Read MoreHow are application numbers assigned for PCT applications entering the national stage?
For PCT applications entering the national stage in the United States, the application number assignment process is slightly different. The MPEP states: ‘For PCT applications entering the national stage under 35 U.S.C. 371, the USPTO assigns the national stage application a U.S. application number.’ This means that when an international PCT application transitions to the…
Read More